FMC Keffi Generates Over N300 Million As Tax Annually Yet No Any Presence Of Nasarawa State Govt-Branch Chairman Revealed
Rabiu Omaku
The branch Chairman of the Federal Medical Centre, Keffi has expressed worried over heavy tax deducted from their salaries by tax collectors in the Nasarawa State.
The Chairman,, Monday Otso gave the indication during a stakeholders sensitization forum organized by Tax Appeal Tribunal in collaboration with the Nasarawa State Board of Internal Revenue.
Otso maintained that N11,000 was deducted monthly from the salaries of staff as tax bringing the amount to N30m monthly and over N300m realized annually.
Saying that over N300, 000,000 m was annually realized as tax from Federal Medical Centre, Keffi still there is no presence of Nasarawa State Government, he asserted.
“What we needed from the State Government is physical presence of the State Government” he added.
The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Nasarawa State Chapter, Pharmacy Clinton Okafor has lamented over double taxation in the State.
He further maintained that the Society was relegated to the background even with the huge amount of money generated as tax.
Pharm.Clinton Okafor says something urgent most be done over multi taxation.
Also the Chairman Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic,Isa Mustapha Agwai Polytechnic,Lafia,Paul Useni Fatiye confided that the Institutions generates millions of naira as tax monthly.
ASUP Chairman said the State Board of Internal Revenue is over taxing staff of Isa Mustapha Agwai Polytechnic, Lafii.
He however explained that the Joint Union of Tertiary Institutions in the State are generating N62m to the State Government.
“Why was it that lecturer 1 in Isa Mustapha Agwai Polytechnic, Lafia is paying N7000 as monthly tax while the same lecturer 1 in Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa is paying N5000 as tax ?.
Chairman of College of Education Academic Staff Union,Edward T.Daniel also decried heavy taxation.
“What is the formula used in deducting taxes from staff salaries, Chief lecturer is paying N6000 monthly while N8000 deducted, even Professors are charged N8000”.
Also in his contribution, the Chairman, Nigeria Bar Association, Lafia branch, Bar.J.A.Kigbu asked whether an aggrieved taxpayer would go to Jos to filled his case if there is disagreement over tax formula ?.
Luka Abimiku, Chairman Association of private School Proprietors, Nasarawa State Chapter in his reaction expressed concerned over multiple taxation.
Stating that multiple taxation is seriously affecting the smooth running of schools by their owners.
He blamed consultants for humiliating Proprietors, at time they will start packing, seats, gadgets, desk, chairs and other valuables.
Nasarawa State Governor, Engr.Abdullahi Alhaji Sule appealed to Taxpayers, Revenue court and Tax Appeal Tribunal to always indulge in dialogue to achieve the set goals.
Ahmed Yakubu,the Chairman of Nasarawa State Board of Internal Revenue who represented the Chief executive said his administration would do the needful as well urged taxpayers to exhibit same.
He said the effort is under way for the review of tax in the State,
The Chairman of the Tax Appeal Tribunal, North-central Zone,Hon.Richard Umar Bala said Tax Appeal Tribunal has been established by the Federal Government of Nigeria pursuant to Section 59 of the Federal Inland Revenue Services Establishment Act 2007 with a mandate to settle dispute between aggrieved taxpayers and Tax Authority.
Bala said Tax Appeal Tribunal was established to reduce the incidence of tax evasion while ensuring fairness , transparency and engendering Public confidence in the tax system.
He stated that an ideal tax system should necessarily offer a multi-layered objection and appeal process that compels the complainant to go through a mechanism before gaining access to the regular court system.
“The Tax Appeal Tribunal is imbued with power to adjudicate over disputes arising from the following Tax laws.
Companies Income Tax CAP 60
Personal Income Tax Act No 104
Petroleum Profit Tax Act CAP 353
Value Added Tax Act N0 102
Capital Gains Tax Act CAP 42.
He further maintained that the Tribunal jurisdiction also covers any other law for the assessment, collection and accounting of revenue accruable to the Government of the Federation.
Hon.Richard Umar Bala hinted that the mission of Tax Appeal Tribunal is to resolve tax disputes on a basis that is fair and impartial, flexible, and speedy, convenient and affordable, with a view to prompting public confidence and voluntary compliance with tax laws.
“Aside that, it’s mandate as well as an essential component of the ‘change’ agenda of the present administration, he added.
